Struggling with dry, brittle hair that breaks off like a twig? Then you might be dealing with hair breakage. But don't fret, there's a solution. Read along to learn more about the causes, and how to fix breakage. Plus, you'll learn about three new game-changing products that can stop breakage in its tracks.
What is Hair Breakage?
Hair breakage happens when strands of your hair snap, leaving you with shorter, uneven pieces. This can make your hair look frizzy and damaged. Unlike shedding, where hair falls out from the root, breakage occurs along the hair shaft. Although the hair isn't lost completely, it becomes weak and prone to damage.
Breakage is usually confused with other hair problems like split ends or hair loss. But it's different! Split ends are the result of damage at the very tip of the hair, where the strand splits into two or more parts. Hair loss occurs when the entire follicle, including the root, falls out. Meanwhile, hair breakage is a sign that your hair is losing its strength and elasticity.
Different things can cause hair breakage. Frequent heat styling, like straightening or curling, can weaken hair over time. Especially if used in very hot settings! Chemical treatments, such as coloring or perming strip away moisture, making hair brittle. Also, environmental factors, like sun exposure and pollution, can cause breakage. Even tight hairstyles, rough brushing, and even a poor diet can all play a role in causing hair breakage.
Understanding these causes is the first step to fixing hair breakage.
6 Signs of Hair Breakage
Recognizing the signs of hair breakage early can help you take action before the damage gets worse. Hair breakage can show in several ways, affecting the overall look and feel of your hair. Here are the key signs to watch out for:
1. Short, Uneven Strands
One of the most obvious signs of hair breakage is the appearance of short, uneven strands that stick out from the rest of your hair. These broken strands can create a frizzy, messy look, especially when trying to style your hair. If you notice that your hair isn't growing evenly, it's likely due to breakage along the hair shaft.
2. Frizzy or Brittle Texture
When your hair becomes weak, it loses its smooth texture and starts to feel rough or brittle to the touch. This change in texture is a clear indicator of hair breakage. Frizz and brittleness usually happen from moisture loss. This can leave your hair dry and more prone to snapping.
3. Increased Appearance of Hair Shedding
While daily hair shedding is normal, excessive shedding can be a sign of hair breakage. If you notice an unusual amount of short hairs in your brush, on your pillow, or in the shower. It could mean your hair is breaking off rather than falling out naturally.
4. Split Ends
Split ends are another common sign of hair breakage. They happen when the end of the hair strand splits into two or more parts. While split ends typically start at the tips, they can travel up the hair shaft if left untreated. Thus, causing more extensive breakage. Regular trims can help stop split ends from worsening. But you'll need to fight it from the source to maintain long-term hair health.
5. Difficulty in Growing Hair Longer
Have you ever felt that your hair takes forever to grow out or go past a certain length? Well, this could be a sign of hair breakage. Hair breakage can make it seem like your hair isn't growing because it keeps breaking off. It can be frustrating, but understanding this is key to fixing it.
6. Tangling and Knots
Hair that is prone to breakage often tangles easily. Leaving you with knots that are difficult to manage. This happens because the rough, uneven texture of broken hair strands causes them to catch on one another. If your hair is tangling often, this can lead to even more breakage. That is because as you struggle to detangle your hair, you keep damaging it even more.
Dealing with severely tangled hair? Then read our blog How to Detangle Matted Hair here.
By catching these signs early on, you can be proactive and fix and prevent hair breakage.
How to Fix Hair Breakage
Fixing hair breakage requires a combo of gentle care, nourishment, and the right products. Knowing what your hair needs can help restore its strength and prevent future damage. Here are some steps you can use today to start fixing hair breakage.
1. Adopt a Gentle Hair Care Routine
An important step in fixing hair breakage is adopting a gentle hair care routine. Avoid using too much heat on your hair, such as blow-dryers, straighteners, and curling irons. These can weaken the hair shaft over time. When drying your hair, opt for air-drying whenever possible. Or use a microfiber towel to gently blot away excess water. Also, use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush to detangle your hair. Make sure to start from the ends and work your way up to minimize breakage.
2. Nourish and Hydrate Your Hair
Giving your hair the right nutrients it needs is essential for repairing damage. Adding organic hair products rich in proteins, antioxidants, and vitamins can keep your hair healthy. Products that provide hydration] can restore your hair's moisture and prevent dryness. Look for products that contain ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and shea butter. These ingredients and others can help keep moisture and improve hair elasticity. Don't know where to start? You can check out our blog on our Secret Hair Hydration treatments.
And finally, a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein supports hair health and strength.
3. Use Products Made for Breakage
If you need some desperate repair, then try adding a product designed for breakage. These contain active ingredients that can help restore hair, hydrate, and prevent it from becoming dry and brittle.
At Agua de Cielo, we've created three powerful products specifically made to fight breakage.
Anti-Breakage Liquid Mask
This penetrating mask works deep within the hair shaft to fortify and shield your hair from further damage. It helps rebuild the hair's structure, making it more resilient to breakage.
Get the Anti-Breakage Liquid Mask
Honey Repair Pre-Poo
This pre-wash treatment is packed with nourishing ingredients that repair and strengthen hair. Before you even start washing! It gets hair ready for cleansing while giving an extra layer of protection against breakage.
Protein Therapy Mask
A protein-rich mask is a must for rebuilding and revitalizing damaged hair. This mask deeply penetrates the hair shaft to restore lost protein. Leaving your hair stronger, shinier, and less prone to breakage.
By adding these products to your routine, you can combat hair breakage and restore your hair’s health and vitality.
Preventing Future Hair Breakage
After you're done fixing hair breakage, the care doesn't stop. It's important to follow some easy steps to stop breakage from happening again. Here’s what you can do to keep your hair strong and healthy:
- Regular Trims: Get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks to cut off split ends before they get worse. This helps your hair stay healthy and prevents breakage, so it can grow longer.
- Protective Hairstyles: Try wearing protective styles like braids, buns, or twists to reduce stress on your hair. Avoid tight styles that pull on your roots, and choose looser ones that keep your hair safe from breakage.
- Use Nourishing Products Consistently: Keep using products that strengthen and protect your hair. It's better to keep hair healthy and strong than to repair it. These products help keep your hair strong, hydrated, and less likely to break. If you need ideas, check out our Healthy Hair Products page here.
- Protect Your Hair from Heat and Sun: Always use a heat protectant spray before using hot tools. Shield your hair from the sun by wearing hats or covers. This keeps your hair from getting dry and brittle.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthy: Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet with vitamins like biotin and vitamin E to keep your hair strong. Good nutrition helps your hair stay healthy and reduces the chance of breakage.
By following these simple steps, you can prevent future hair breakage and avoid headaches and stress from dealing with it.
Conclusion
Fixing and preventing hair breakage is easier once you understand its causes and signs. By following the tips in this article, you can restore your hair's strength and health. Ready to see the difference? Then make sure to check out our products made for repairing breakage here. Start your journey to beautiful, breakage-free hair today!
